Robotic surgery has developed rapidly since its approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1999, as documented by the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons' Committee on Gynecologic Practice. To perform robot-assisted procedures, doctors operate through small surface incisions with equipment outfitted with tiny cameras to transmit real-time data to a large OR monitor. This type of surgery has grown popular due to lower levels of post-operative discomfort and faster recovery times, not to mention its cosmetic appeal over open surgeries. Today, robot-assisted surgery is performed at over 2,025 sites in the U.S., with the number of procedures growing at a rate of 25% annually.

As the second most common surgical procedure in the United States, nearly 433,000 hysterectomies are performed each year. While the majority of these operations are still performed abdominally, MIS procedures are on the rise, with 9.5% of all hysterectomies performed robotically in 2010, up from 0.5% in 2007 (1).

3D Systems has been working to address the growing demand for training in this technologically advanced field of MIS robotic procedures by partnering with leading industry and scientific groups. The company's collaboration with Intuitive Surgical has enabled the offering of a training module for Hysterectomy on the da Vinci Xi surgical system. Using the newest robotic technology, the simulation enables hands-on training of a complete surgical procedure, with the ultimate goal of increasing patient safety. This collaboration is part of a mutual commitment to provide leading procedural simulation training to surgical institutions.
Click here to watch a video of the virtual reality simulation module (contains graphic content).

3D Systems' collaboration with the FRGS group has led to the development of the
Hysterectomy Procedural Tasks training module. The task-based module, which runs on 3D Systems'
RobotiX Mentor™, provides hands-on training of the key steps of the robotic hysterectomy surgical procedure as a part of the full education and training curriculum specified by the FRGS group. "The FRGS is excited to incorporate virtual reality surgical simulation for gaining the skills and knowledge critical to perform a successful robotic procedure," said Dr. Jeffrey Levy, Board Member for the Institute for Surgical Excellence (ISE). "We believe simulation-based education and training will enhance the quality and safety of patient care."

The new robotic training modules join 3D Systems' comprehensive line of Simbionix training products for Women's Health professionals, which will be available for hands-on demonstrations at the upcoming AAGL Global Congress, November 15-19, in Las Vegas, NV. The company also offers training for laparoscopic gynecologic surgery on the
LAP Mentor, including a hysterectomy team training option, transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound practice on the
U/S Mentor, pelvic exam competency training on the
PELVIC Mentor, and
3D printed models for planning and training.